Targeting the resistant tumor microenvironment
EMT Biopharma is developing EMT-601, a preclinical bispecific antibody program designed to address drug-resistant epithelial cancer and pathological fibrosis through a coordinated therapeutic and diagnostic strategy.
One program focused on the cells and matrix that survive standard therapy.
The EMT-601 strategy is built around a resistant tumor-stroma-vasculature niche: mesenchymal tumor cells, activated fibroblasts, and angiogenic endothelium. The goal is to disrupt this niche while using a companion diagnostic to identify the patients whose disease carries the relevant biology.
Resistant cell engagement
Targets a disease-associated cell state linked to mesenchymal transition, stemness, and post-treatment persistence.
Matrix remodeling
Designed to interrupt fibroblast-built fibrotic matrix that protects tumors and contributes to drug resistance.
Vascular support
Addresses angiogenic endothelium that helps sustain tumor growth and tissue remodeling.
Peer-reviewed pancreatic cancer research supports the matrix-focused rationale.
Wu and colleagues reported that cancer-associated fibroblasts use fibronectin as a scaffold for collagen-rich matrix assembly that supports pancreatic cancer stemness and progression. In the study, dual blockade of fibronectin-binding receptors prevented matrix assembly and could destabilize pre-existing matrix in model systems.
Reference: Wu C, Von Schalscha T, Sansanwal D, Qian C, Jiang Q, Shepard RM, Wettersten HI, McCormack SJ, Weis SM, Cheresh DA. Cancer Research Communications. 2025;5(1):195-208. doi:10.1158/2767-9764.CRC-24-0491.
Lead oncology focus and fibrotic diseases
EMT Biopharma is prioritizing biomarker-positive pancreatic cancer as the lead opportunity, with resistant lung cancer as an expansion path and fibrotic disease opportunities positioned for strategic collaboration.
Lead oncology indication
Expansion opportunity
Partnering fibrosis opportunity
Partnering liver fibrosis opportunity
Built by biotech operators and translational scientists.
The company is led by a team with experience across oncology, fibrosis biology, antibody development, manufacturing, intellectual property, and company-building.
Stephen J. McCormack, PhD
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
David Cheresh, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer and Scientific Founder
Sara Weis, PhD
VP Research & Co-Founder
Partner with EMT Biopharma.
For scientific, clinical, or partnering conversations, contact Stephen J. McCormack, PhD.